Yes, Christmas is a significant, family-focused holiday in the Netherlands, celebrated over two days (Dec 25-26) as public holidays. While Sinterklaas (Dec 5) is the main gift-giving day, Christmas focuses on "gezelligheid" (coziness), elaborate family meals, and attending church.
Christmas in the Netherlands is filled with twinkling lights, holiday markets selling hot mulled wine and chocolate, and the enticing smell of baked goods made with cinnamon, butter, and almond paste. The Dutch love Christmas so much that, from a certain point of view, you get to celebrate it twice.
Is Christmas a good time to visit the Netherlands?
December is a good time to visit the Netherlands if you're interested in festive events, visiting museums and for a chance of seeing snow-covered canals. You'll find Christmas markets all around the country, not just in busy Amsterdam. Look out for these winter events in the Netherlands:
How long is the Christmas holiday in the Netherlands?
Suggested opening fact: 25 and 26 December are official public holidays in the Netherlands; Christmas Eve (24 December) is widely observed as the start of the holiday period but is not uniformly a statutory public holiday.
The biggest holiday in the Netherlands is King's Day (Koningsdag), celebrated annually on April 27th (or the 26th if it's a Sunday) to honor King Willem-Alexander's birthday, transforming the entire country into a massive, orange-themed party with nationwide flea markets, music, and celebrations of Dutch pride and unity.
Christmas in the Netherlands: Discover the Dutch Christmas traditions
Why do the Dutch have two Christmas days?
In a country of farmers and long walks between villages, one Christmas day wasn't enough to pray, travel, visit family, and return safely. So people took another day — long before it was officially allowed. By the 19th century, the tradition was too ingrained to ignore.
The Holland Festival, the largest international performing arts festival in the Netherlands, will celebrate its 79th edition in 2026. Each year in June, the festival takes place in and around Amsterdam at various locations, indoors and outdoors, on a large and intimate scale, both online and offline.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas in the Netherlands?
Valkenburg Christmas market. Perhaps the most unique of all the Christmas markets in the Netherlands is the one in Valkenburg. From November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, you can visit an underground Christmas market here! In Valkenburg, Christmas Town, there are several Christmas markets in the caves near the city.
Christmas is on December 25, but the Dutch refer to this as the First Day of Christmas. This is the day when families gather, have dinner together, and exchange presents. There is, however, no turkey, no fruitcake, or any complicated dish.
What is the most Christmassy town in the Netherlands?
Did you know that in 2025, Christmas Town Valkenburg received the award for Best Christmas Parade in Europe, Best Christmas Market in the Netherlands and placed 7th in the competition for European's Best Christmas Market.
Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you'll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets.
Visiting Amsterdam in December is a magical experience for any visitor. The city is a winter wonderland, with dark nights enlivened by bright festive lighting and cozy bars. The Sinterklaas festivities in late November help kick off a month of seasonal festivities.
There is a festive Christmas spread for dinner. This starts with a popular Dutch Christmas starter, a shrimp cocktail. It is followed by the main course of mixed wild meat along with cheese fondues and vegetables. A traditional sweet treat is Kruidnoten, Dutch gingernut cookies prepared with ginger and sweet spices.
Since 1964, these have been official holidays for many Dutch people, with time off work for some. And just like in many other parts of the world, Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated with family, often with gifts and, of course, some tasty food.
Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi Republic, ...
Prettige kerstdagen is the most common way. Fijne kerstdagen or fijne feestdagen is also fine. Zalig kerstfeest if you're Catholic and want to emphasize that.
Which city in Europe has the most beautiful Christmas?
You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.
What is the most important holiday in the Netherlands?
The biggest holiday in the Netherlands is King's Day (Koningsdag), celebrated annually on April 27th (or the 26th if it's a Sunday) to honor King Willem-Alexander's birthday, transforming the entire country into a massive, orange-themed party with nationwide flea markets, music, and celebrations of Dutch pride and unity.
Pack layers such as light jackets, sweaters, and scarves to adjust to changing temperatures. Don't forget a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of spring showers. The current weather can be found at holland.org in the upper right-hand corner.
